Fall is a popular season in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thousands travel to our region for the “Fall Foliage Season”. This year, it is predicted that the peak weeks for viewing the Fall foliage will be the second and third weeks of October. On Wintergreen mountain, we are already seeing day-time temperatures in the low 60’s and high 50’s and a tinge of color in the trees.
Fall is also the time when the resort begins to get ready for Ski Season. Our retailers are putting out the 2008 season supplies. There is also some new retail in The Mountain Inn.
New Brew: At last, we have cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, hot & iced tea, muffins, bagels and breads in the Mountain Inn. Be sure to visit Colony Coffee during your next visit to Wintergreen. They open at 8AM and on some days even earlier.
The New Necessities Store: Most of us have been visiting the Necessities store in the Mountain Inn for years. This cornerstone in the Mountain Inn will be upgraded in the coming few months. The store will carry an expanded selection of wine and cheese, gourmet snacks, supplies for entertaining and many new products. Visit the upgraded store this Fall and pack a picnic from the selection of gourmet goodies.
New Construction: Most of us use the bright blue roof of the ski barn as a landmark. (corner of Rt. 151 and Beech Grove) The new construction behind the Ski Barn will soon be a Nelson County retail area. Slated for the area is a coffee shop and a micro brewery. (Another micro brewery is slated to open in Afton in 2008)
New Neighborhood: Construction on The Seasons is now well underway. Stop by the new neighborhood site in Wintergreen Resort. (on the corner of Wintergreen and Blue Ridge Drives) Two of the townhouses will be under roof within the next week. We had over 200 people attend the Seasons BBQ over Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to everyone who attended. If you would like to meet with the builders of The Seasons, appointments are now being set for job site tours. Call Kim at 434-238-2430 to arrange a tour
It’s Fall Festival Season! Join us for a Nelson County’s best season for festivals.
Back in the 1700’s, my family first arrived in Nelson County. My ancestors acquired a large tract of land by promising to plant an apple orchard. These were some of the first apples in the county. (Later the Loving family donated some of this land to create the county seat of Lovingston, VA) Some family members were still farming apples up until the late 1980’s. So, apple season runs as a long tradition in Nelson County, and I have many fond memories of Apples Festivals as a child. Nelson County fall festivals are the perfect entertainment for the entire family. Here is this Fall’s festival schedule:
Flippin-Seaman Apple Butter Makin Festival, October 6th. For more information, go to www.nelsoncounty.com
Mountain Cove Blues Festival, October 6th at Mountain Cove Vineyard 12PM-5PM, Fee
Fall Foliage Open House at Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery, October 13th 11AM-5PM
Find all of the festivals at www.NelsonCounty.com
Don’t forget to take some apple butter home with you from Nelson County.
Favorite Fall Foliage Drive:
Every year, I try to take this Fall Foliage Drive. Be sure to bring your camera as you will see the Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, Montebello, Crabtree Falls, Rt. 56, Brent’s Mountain and the Rockfish Valley on this drive through Nelson County.
From the entrance to Wintergreen Resort, take a left on Rt. 664 and head down the mountain to Beech Grove. You will pass Wintergreen Winery on your left. Stop by and taste some great local wine and enjoy the river view.
At the intersection of Rt. 664 and Rt. 151, you will see the Ski Barn with the blue roof. Stop at the Ski Barn for some great values on gear. Coming soon, there will be a coffee shop in a new commercial area at this intersection.
Turn right onto Rt. 151 and go over Brent’s Mountain. Watch out for those curvy roads. Driving along Rt. 151 you will see some great views of county farmland and pass the small community of Bryant. Pass through the town of Roseland and head to Rt 56 West. This is the true country living of Nelson County.
Make a right on Rt. 56 West (just past the Exxon station). As you enter Rt. 56 West, this is one of my favorite views. The Tye River will be on your right, a large farm on your left and an expanse of Blue Ridge Mountains ahead.
Travel on Rt. 56 West through the towns of Massie’s Mill and Tyro. The Tye River meanders from your right to your left. Look-out for places to stop and enjoy the river. This river provides great fishing. (remember that you need a VA Fishing License in this area) Stop at Seaman’s Orchard for some apples.
You will pass the Tye River Cottage Rental on your left. (This cabin is available for rentals and sleeps 4). Just past the cottage, you will begin to climb the mountains.
The Rt. 56 Appalachian Trial Head will be on your left as you head up the mountain. There is a small gravel parking lot at the trail head. Park and take a hike on the trail.
Farther up the mountain, stop and see Crabtree Falls. Even if you don’t have time to take the entire hike, the bottom observation area is worth the stop. $3 to park per car. The walkway is paved to the lower observation deck.
Climb the mountain and stop at the Montebello Fish Hatchery. Kids love this stop to feed the fish. Parking is free but bring some change for some fish snacks. There is also camping in this area. Call 540-377-2650 for information about fishing and camping.
Farther up the road, stop at the Montebello Country Store. This store has all the mountain provisions needed, collectables, snacks and usually hot soup. Across the street, fish in their pond.
(fee)
From Montebello, continue up Rt. 56 to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway north. (turn right) Stop at all of the Overlooks for some great views. Take Rt. 644 back to Wintergreen to complete this loop. (At the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Rt. 644 is another trail intersection with the Appalachian Trail. There is also a small parking area.)
Classifieds
The idea for the classified section came from calls to Experience Nelson County. This month, many of the classifieds are real estate related, but they do not need to be.
Looking for a family to join in the purchase of a 2BR Wintergreen Condo. Call Kim at 434-238-2430
Looking for a family or investor(s) to join in the purchase of a new Seasons townhouse in Wintergreen Resort. Call Kim at 434-238-2430
Looking to trade a Richmond, VA condo for a Wintergreen Condo. This condo is at The Links in Glen Allen. 2BR and 2BA, 1175 sq ft with many extras. Has tenant who pays rent on-time. Contact Kim to talk with Tim Simmons about trading this investment condo for a condo in Wintergreen Resort.
Wintergreen Resort’s Mountain Inn 184 and 186 now have a connector or conversation door. Both condos can be rented through the Wintergreen Resort Home & Villa Program (www.WintergreenResort.com) This is a perfect combo for a larger family or a group of friends. Only steps to skiing, the restaurants and the new coffee bar!
Look for the Tyro, VA fishing and hiking cabin now on Vacation Rentals by Owners, VRBO. (www.vrbo.com) This property is ready to rent!
Experience Nelson County classifieds are free of charge. Please email entries to kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com